International Day for Biological Diversity – 22 May

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year. (more)

http://www.cbd.int/idb/2012/?ttl1

What is FAIRTRADE

• Introducing the Fairtrade system…

  

• The FAIRTRADE Mark

  About the Mark and how to use it

  

• Benefits of Fairtrade

  How Fairtrade combats poverty and empowers producers

  

• Certifying Fairtrade

  How FLO-CERT auditors ensure compliance with Fairtrade standards

  

• History of Fairtrade

  How Fairtrade has developed since the 1980s

  

• FAQs

  Frequently asked questions

• Facts and figures

  Useful statistics about Fairtrade

World Fair Trade Day May 12, 2012

Major Sponsors of
World Fair Trade Day 2012:

WFTD is the largest Fair Trade event of the year in N. America, and events take place May 6-20 in 2012. Around 100,000 people attend hundreds of celebrations to promote Fair Trade and campaign for trade justice together with farmers & artisans. WFTD itself falls
on May 12. (more)

 

Regular Sponsors:

Stay connected:

May National and International Observances

May - Asian Heritage Month Elder Recognition Month

3 Polish Constitution Day

5 Cinco de Mayo

7 National Day 0f Prayer (First Thursday of May)

9 International Fair Trade Day

22 International Day for Biological Diversity

April 19th

Earth Day – NOW

We have resources for you:
1-page “Fact Sheet” on Earth Day is available HERE, and could be used as a bulletin insert.

2-page “prayer service” for Earth Day can be accessed HERE, and is appropriate for community prayer.

The official “Earth Day 2012″ website also have many resources, and can be accessed HERE.

Here are some ideas for religious agencies:
“Green” your house of worship
Ask your pastor to deliver an Earth Day homily
Grow a garden on church property
Collect recyclable materials at your church/ministry

Capuchin Communications thanks you for helping to promote Earth Day 2012!

 Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail message! 

What Can You Do for Earth Day?

Earth Day is a day for action; a chance to show how important the environment is to you. Whether you organize an event in your community or teach a peer about environmental issues, Earth Day is about uniting voices around the globe in support of a healthy planet. This year for Earth Day 2012, we will Mobilize the Earth™ and demand a sustainable future.  See below for ideas on how you can get involved:

 

Attend an Earth Day event

• Check out our events toolbar to find an event near you!

Organize an Earth Day event

• If you need some tips, check out our Earth Day Organizer guide!

Organize a Day of Service

• Set up a volunteer event in your community to clean up the environment or help improve it
• Don’t forget to register your event on our events toolbar!

Pledge an Act of Green

• Join the world’s largest environmental service movement and help us reach A Billion Acts of Green® this Earth Day!

Sign our Petition

• Help us achieve Renewable Energy for All, ask your government to end fossil fuel subsidies, invest in renewable energy technology, improve energy efficiency, and make energy universally accessible

Join an Earth Day campaign

• Arts for the Earth
• Athletes for the Earth
• Campaign for Communities
• Earth Day University
• Earth Day K-12
• Eco Faith

Earth Day 2012

APRIL INTENTION:

APRIL INTENTION:  To pray for and to bring to our awareness the gift of creation.

• For our Church and Governments that they recognize the sacredness of all creation and give leadership for the way to sustainable development and affordable clean water.
• For all God’s people that we become more aware of the sacred in our world so that we respect, restore and renew the gifts of creation.
• For wisdom to protect human health and the quality of life especially the living and working environments of the poor from pollution and environmental degradation.
• For strengthening those values that place the needs of people and the environment above profit making.
• For all of us that we ask for guidance in restoring the face of the earth, show us the way to care for the earth not just for today but also for ages to come.

Prepared by Congregational Central Office of Justice and Peace

• Investigate one item that you eat or use as a community and follow the steps it takes, and the energy it takes, to reach your table, etc.  Include in lesson plans if teaching, etc.
• Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree, flowers, etc.
• Write one letter to a government official asking them to please support the Millennium Development Goal 7 to Ensure Environmental Sustainability.
• Support legislation that addresses fair wages and humane/safe working conditions.
• Purchase clothing and products which are manufactured, harvested, produced or sold utilizing fair labor practices.

Human vs Inhumane